Underwater torch



March 6, 1945. A. BARNA UNDERWATER TORCH Original Filed Oct. 30, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet l A. BARNA UNDERWATER TORCH March 6, 1945.

Original Filed Oct. 30, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 lvlalth 6, 1945. B Re. 22,610

UNDERWATER TORCH Original Filed 001;. 30, 1939 I5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Reissued Mar. 6 1945 UNDERWATER TORCH Andrew Barna, Chicago, 'Ill. Original .No. 2,275,491, dated .March 1-0, 1942,

Serial No. 301,893, October 30., 19319. Application for reissue July 13, 1942, Serial No. 450,690

6 Claims. (o1. ass-27.45

This invention relates to a novel and improved underwater torch, which permits. the torch to re? light automatically under water.

The main object of the invention is to remove the chance of having the torch extinguished unv der the Water and force the diver to come to the surface for reigniting same.

' Another object of the invention is to permit the use of more than one type of gas at the same time.

A further object of the invention is to permit the device to be .used either as a straight torch or to be changed by the attachment of a gooseneck to a torch with any desired angle.

A still further object .of the invention is .to permit a reduction in the numbers of lines lead ing from the surface, to provide more fre movement to the .diver.

A further object of the invention is to permit the use of abranchless torch nozzle-shield.

A still further object of the invention .isto prevent the mixing chamber from overheating in case of back flash.

A still further object .of the invention is t .use the device on the surface-or below the surface.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the

.invention consists in certain novel features of construction and arrangements. of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion,

quantity, size and minor details of structuremay be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

.I have illustrated in the accompanyin draw- .ings a pneferredembodiment of the invention, froman inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the

. invention, its mode of construction and assemures of the drawings; r v

Figure '1 is an assembled plan view, with the torch tip end broken away;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the right side of Fig.

Fig. 3 is an' inverted-side'elevation of the left sideofFigl. I Fig. 4 is a side elevation like Fig. 2 with the valves andthe by-passes on the right side being omitted; a Fig. 5 is a sectional view-on line 5-501 Fig. 1; 'Fig. 6 is a continuation of Fig. 5 showing the straight head, thegooseneck and the torch tip end with the torch tip shield in section;

Fig. 7 is .a sectional view of the straight head v head;

Fig. 10 is the near end elevation of the goose: neck; I l Fig. 11 is an inverted plan view of the goose: neck; Fig. .12, is .an inverted plan View of the tip; and Fig. 13 is a diagramlof the passages, by-passes, valves and receptacles. H

The said underwater torch .iscomprised essentially of a main body I, astraight head 2,.a goosenecli 3., a torch tip t, and a torch "tip shield 5.

The inlet valve 6 at its outer end is attached to the acetylene. or hydrogen line, and at its in,- ner end joins the valve, 1, which controls the said gases. Thevalve lconneots with theapassage 2.5, and the tube .21 (Fig. 5) which is secured in the body portion "I l, and entersthe receptacle 28 of the straight head'Z. r I v I Between valves 6 and I is the by-passt, leading to valve '9,"whi ch regulates't'he flow of gases to the pilot lightand leads to the 'recepta'cle'23 of the straight head 2; fl v The inlet valve ill at its outer end is attached to the oxygen line and at its inner end connects to'the'body portion "H, housing the high pressure valve I1, which controls the flow of the oxygen during the cutting process. "The high pressure lever It operates the said high pressure valve 12.

The inner 'end of the valve 'Hl :iscommunicating through the -high pressure valve 12 (see Fig. 5) with the tube 33 and the receptacle 25 of the straightheadi; g l I The valve It controls-the oxygen to the preheatingflame-y The inlet valve It at its outer end connects'to the hydrogen line when-the inlet valve 5 is used for acetylene. -At its inner .end it connects to the The outlet 20 is secured to the inner end of the V valve 2| and leads to the receptacle 24.

The by-pass 22 enters the body portion ll between the valves l and I2 and is leading to the outer end of the valve 2! which at its inner end is connectedto the receptacle 24 of the-straight head 2.

The tube 29 is within the tube 21 and is secured in the body portion II. from the inner end of the valve H] to the control valve I4 and leads to the tube 29 with the mixer 3| suitably placed at its interior adjacent to its outlet, insuring a whirling motion to the gaseous mixture in the mixing chamber 34 which communicates with the receptacle 28 of the,

straight head 2.

The by-pass 30 leads chamber 34 from overheating in case of back flash.

The loop 51 holds securely together the various outlets and tubes.

THE OPERATION or THE TORCH Two line method-Without pilot light Assuming the use of the torch in shallow water by the two line method, using acetylene and oxygen, the tanks containing these gases are connected to the regulators and the hose from v the regulator for the acetylene supply is con- The straight head 2 consists of a cylindrical body. At its near end 32 it is provided with the receptacles 23, 24, and 28 to secure the outlets 11,20 and the tubes 33, 21, respectively.

The suitable interior portion 35 of the straight head 2 is provided with a series of passages.

The passages 36 leading from the bottom of the receptacle 28 to the level 31 are conducting the mixed oxygen and gas. The passage 38' leading from the bottom of the receptacle 25 to the level 39- is conducting the oxygen for cutting purposes. The passages 40 leading from the bottom of the receptacle 24 to the level 4i are conducting the oxygen or compressed air. The passages 42 leading from the bottom of the receptacle 23 'to the level 43 are conducting the acetylene or hydrogen for the pilot light. The use 01 hydrogen, or other suitable gases, prevents corrosion and accumulation of carbon at the opening of the pilot light which would set in when acetylene is used.

The suitable interior portion 44 of the rotatable gooseneck 3 is provided with the continuation of the'passagei 3B, 38, 40 and 42. V

The adapter 45 is provided with R. H. and LLI-I. threads, permitting the gooseneck 3 to rotate freely around the straight head 2 by means of themain body I being adapted to take any desired position" for the convenience of the'diver in using the high pressure lever l3.

The adapter 46 secures the torch tip 4 to the gooseneck B.

The suitable torch tip 4 is provided with four levels, corresponding to the levels. of 39, 31, 4! and 43 of the straight head 2, and-with the continuation of the passages 36, 38, 40 and 42. a

The torch-tip 4 'is provided with an externally threaded cylindrical portion 41 which retains the adjustable shield 5 at its set position.

The suitable interior 48 of the shield 5 is provided with a cylindrical portion 49 and an ofiset 50 at its lower end by means of which it can rest adjustably 'on the externally threaded portion' 41 of the torch tip 4.

washers 5| are securely held downby the cylindrical portion 49 of the shield 5.

"The suitable interior cylindrical portion 52 of the shield 5 has an offset 53. The conical portion 54, between the offsets 50 and 53, is provided with fine threads 55 to induce a whirling motion to the oxygen or compressed air before passing through the said cylindrical portion 52 and reaching the work. The knurled indentat'i'cins 55 permit the gases generated during the cutting process to escape. g

The perforated handle 55 preventsthe mixing nected to the valve 6 while the hose leading from the regulator for the oxygen supply is connected to the valve Ill, the regulators being adjusted to suit the work being done. The acetylene valve' are adjusted to give the proper mixture for the pre-heating flame.

If the torch is to be used by the two line method with hydrogen instead of acetylene, as when operating in deep water, the operation is the same except the hydrogen supply, instead of the acetylene supply, is connected to the valve 6.

When using the two line method, the bypasses which have been provided serve the purpose of displacing the water and holding it away from the mouth of the torch tip. The by-pass 22, which serves that purpose, starts between the valves l0 and I2 and conducts the gas through the valve 2! to the outlet 20 which leads into thereceptacle 24. From this receptacle the gas passes through the passage 40 and impinges against the offset 50 of the upper inner cylindrical portion of the shield 5. The oxygen then passes downwardly in contact with the threaded portion 54 of the shield by which it is given a whirling'motion before it reaches the lower cylin drical portion 52 of the shield. By adjusting the valve 2| the supply of oxygen may be regulated to displace the water from the torch tip.

I v Three line method-With pilot light If the three line" method is to be used with a pilot light. the operation is the same as that Four line method-With pilot light In. practicing the "four line method of operation of the torch with a pilot light, the procedure is the same as when using the threeline with pilot light, except that thevalves 9 and 2| are closed and an oxygen supply isconnectcd through a regulator to the inlet valve H! which conducts the oxygen through the-by-p'ass I! into the outlet 20 byzwhich it is conveyed to the receptacle 24. From this receptacle, the gas passes through the passage 40 to the onset 50 of theupper interior part of the shield 5, from which it passes in contact with the threaded portion M- to the offset BI and then outwardly through the cylindrical portion 52. If compressed air is to be used to displace the water, instead of oxygen, the compressed air supplyisconnected to the valve I! in place of the oxygen connection.

It will be understood thatv the invention may taltevarious formsother thanthat'herein speci-iically describedwithout departingfrom the scope or the appended claims in which the term "gas isused generically as reierring'to compressed air, oxygen, acetylene or hydrogen. The term integral as used in the claimshas its'usual mean-' ing as defining a one-piece unitary structure". Where reference is made in the claims to" a passage through the tip for conveying oxygen or the like to the annular passage between the tip andthe shield, it will be understood that the term "oxygenf is intended to include oxygen, compressed air, or other combustion supporting gaseous fluid which may be introduced through this passage.

I claim:

1. Anunderwater torch, comprising a water cooled main body-formed as a handle, a straight head on the outlet end thereof, a. rotatabl'yadto communicate, with corresponding receptacles in said head by means of corresponding ones of said conduits; said acetylene inlet valve being adapted to communicate by means of one of said conduits with a corresponding one of said receptacles, a control valve in said acetylene con duit, said acetylene inlet valve also being provided with a by-pass conduit in communication with said hydrogen receptacle, a control valve in said last-named conduit, thereby providing an alternative pilot flame gas supply means; a conduit providing communication between said oxygen inlet valve and a corresponding one of said receptacles, a control valve in said conduit, two by-pass conduits providing passage for oxygen from said inlet valve respectively to said acetylene receptacle to provide a preheating gas mixture and to said compressed air receptacle; a

control valve in each of said last-named by-pass conduits, said head, said gooseneck and saidtip lift iii

having passages therethrough adapted to communicate respectively with said four gas receptacles, said passages being so disposed in said tip as to provide a central oxygen discharge passage, a series of preheating gas discharge passages surrounding said oxygen passage, pilot gas discharge passages arranged around said preheating gas passages, and compressed air passages directing air from said air receptacle to the interior of said shieldito displace water-ironiaroundiith'e jets irom said tip; I 2, An underwater torch; comprising a water cooled main body for-med as a handle, a straight head on the outlet end thereof,-a rotatably adjustable gooseneck attached to saidhead', a torch tip on said gooseneck, a torch tip shield mounted on said tip, four'inlet valves on the inlet end of said body, which are adapted for connection to hoses to supply hydrogen, acetylene, oxygen and compressedair, respectively, to said torch; conmum in said body to provide gas passages from said valves to said head, saidhead being chambered to provide gas receptacles: therein; the hydrogen and compressed -air valves being adapted to communicate with'corresponciing recept'acles in said head by meansof corresponding ones of's'ai'd conduits; saidacetylene inlet valve being adapted to communicate by means of one of said conduits with a corresponding one of said receptacles, a control valve in! said acetyleneconduit, said acetylene inlet'valve also being provided-with a bypass conduit in communication with said h'ydrogenreceptacle, a control valv'e'in said last'named' conduit, thereby providing an alternative pilot flame gas supply means; a conduit providing communication between said oxygen inlet valve and a correspondingone of said receptacles, a control valve in said conduit, two by-pass conduitsproviding passage for oxygen from said inlet,valve'respectively to said'acetylenereceptacle to provide a preheating gasmixture andto said compressed air receptacle; a control valve in each of said lastvnamed by-pass conduits; said head, said gooseneck and said tip. having passages therethrough adapted toficommunicate respectively with said four gas receptacles; saidpassages leading through said head to the joint of said head with the torch tip are so disposed that each passage leads into a separate ring-like receptacle; all of said four receptacles being concentrically disposed along the conical contacting surfaces of-said head and said tip and being formed by recessesin said surfaces;

said passages in the torch tip being so disposed as to provide a central oxygen discharge passage, a series of preheating gas discharge passages surrounding said oxygen passage, pilot gas discharge passages arranged around said preheating gas passages, and compressed air passages directing air from said air receptacle to the interior of said shield to displace water from around the jets from the said tip.

. 3. An underwater torch, comprising a watercooled main body formed as a handle, a straight head on the outlet end thereof, a rotatably adjustable gooseneck attached to said head, a torch tip on said gooseneck, a torch tip shield mounted on said tip, four inlet valves on the inlet end of said body, which are adapted for connection to hoses to supply hydrogen, acetylene, oxygen and compressed air, respectively, to said torch; conduits in said body to provide gas passages from said valves to said head, said head being chambered to provide gas receptacles therein; the hydrogen and compressed air valves being adapted to communicate with corresponding receptacles in said head by means of corresponding ones of said conduits; said acetylene inlet valve being adapted to communicate by means of one of said conduits with a corresponding one of said receptacles, a control valve in said acetylene conduit, said acetylene inlet valve also being provided with a by-pass conduit in communication with said hydrogen receptacle, a control valve in said last-named conduit, thereby providing an alternative pilot flame gas supply means; a conduit providing communication between said oxygen inlet valve and-a corresponding one of said receptacles, a control valve in said conduit, two by-pass conduits providing passage for oxygen from said inlet valve respectively to said acetylene receptacle to provide a preheating gas mixture and to said compressed air receptacle; a control valve in each ranged around said preheating'gas passages, and

compressed air passages directing air from said air receptacle to the interior of said shield, the interior surface of which has fine threads extending along its conical portion to conduct the gas around the torch tip for displacing water from around the jets from said tip.

4. An underwater torch comprising a body having passages therethrough, means for supplying gases to said passages, a head connected to the outlet end of said body and having passages therethrough communicating with the passages in said body, a one-piece torch tip detachably secured to said head and having a plurality of passages extending therethrough and communieating with the passages in said head, said passages through said tip including passages for conveying gases to the mouth of said tip and for conveying gases to a point in proximity to the mouth of said tip for maintaining a pilot light and also a passage opening laterally through the side 01 said tip at a point removed from'its mouth, and a shield forming a restricted passage around said tip into which oxygen is discharged through said passage opening laterally through said tip, said shield forming a restricted passage at the mouth of said tip in proximity to the mouth of said pilot light passage into which the gases for said pilot light are discharged- 5. An underwater torch comprising a head having a plurality of chambers, means for con,

veying a separate gas to each of said chambers, means for mixing gases which are conveyed to certain of said chambers, a torch tip having internal passages therethrough for receiving gases from said chambers, an intermediate member between said head and said tip-having passages therethrough communicating with said passages in saidtip, said head having passages therein leading from said chambers to said passages in said intermediate member, and a shield surrounding'a portion of said tip and forming anannular passage opening at the mouth of said tip, at least one of said passages in said tip opening into said annular passage substantially at the mouth of said tip and being adapted to convey gas for maintaining a pilot light, another of said passages in said tip opening into said annular passage rearwardlyof the mouth of said pilot light passage and being adapted to convey a gas for propelling water away from the mouth of said tip and supporting combustion or said pilot light ,gas.

6. An underwater torch comprising a head, a torch tip connected to said head, said head and said torch tip having passages therethrough for conveying different gases therethrough to the mouth of said tip, inlet valves through which a plurality of gases are separately supplied to said torch, said head being chambered to provide gas receptacles each communicating with one of said passages in said head, conduits for conveying gases from said inlet valves to said gas receptacles, a control valvein one of said conduits, and a by-pass conduit by-passing said control valve and leading to the receptacle to which another of said first-mentioned conduits is connected, thereby permitting difierent gases to be supplied to one of said gas receptacles.

ANDREW BARN-A. 

